ASU reports 161 coronavirus cases

PHOENIX – Arizona State University has reported 161 current coronavirus cases among students and staff across the university’s four campuses. But President Michael Crow said the cases were expected because of broad testing.

A statement issued by Crow Tuesday evening said that the university has a robust testing program that has collected samples from more than 32,000 students and staff since Aug. 1.

The nation’s largest public university opened its fall semester last week and currently has about 100,000 students and employees coming to its four metro Phoenix campuses on staggered days. The 161 current cases include students and employees, including among about 20,000 students living on campus, Crow said.

“I know there has been and will continue to be interest in this number,” Crow wrote. “What I am committing to are regular updates about our COVID management strategy.”

Crow also announced penalties for students who ignore social distancing rules and boosted the university’s mask policy to require face coverings at all times on university property. Previously, masks were required indoors and outside when social distancing wasn’t possible. Now it’s a universal requirement, except while eating.

The penalties for attending a party or otherwise breaking the rules will be harsh.

“Students engaged – whether hosting or attending – in social gatherings on or off campus that do not adhere to public health protocols will be subject to suspension,” Crow announced. “We have a no-visitor policy in our residence halls – this includes students who live in other residence halls. Students who violate the no-visitor policy will be subject to suspension and evicted from university housing.”

The cases at the university come as the state continues to report lower daily cases and hospitalizations for the virus.